In response to a draft resolution against Iran, its mission at the United Nations issued the following letter refuting U.S. allegations about an Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to Washington as "circumstantial and unsubstantiated."
In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
No. 1312 15 November 2011
Excellency,
We are surprised to learn that a draft resolution contained in document A/66/L.8 entitled "Terrorist attacks on Internationally Protected Persons" is proposed by the United States under Agenda item 118 of the General Assembly, which refers to the alleged plot against the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Washington. This is an unprecedented attempt with all its ramifications for the credibility of the United Nations. In this regard, I would like to state the following:
By submitting this draft the sponsor is inviting the General Assembly to consider an unsubstantiated allegation, and as such it would amount to an unprecedented, thus unacceptable move. While under Article 10 of the UN Charter any matter could be considered by the General Assembly, however, it is evident that placing hypothetical, circumstantial and unsubstantiated matters on the agenda of this august body would be a gross disservice thereto. The case at hand is a clear example in this respect. If the General Assembly allows the submission and consideration of such draft resolution, this principal organ of the United Nations would run the risk of turning into a venue for settling political scores through introducing countless draft resolutions on contentious issues, which should be seriously avoided. Consequently, such an action, if pressed on, would significantly undermine the role, authority, integrity, and credibility of the General Assembly as the highest and universal political body of the United Nations.
Furthermore, by proposing this draft resolution under agenda item "the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Strategy", the United States tends to exploit such an important document which is the symbol of global consensus against terrorism. Such a politically motivated move would indeed undermine the relevance and credibility of this major consensus document.
The United States attitude with regard to the alleged plot, which began with an explosive media campaign against Iran, and its long-standing hostile policies, is unconstructive and reveals once again the latter's ill-intentions. It is worth mentioning that this Government has supported acts of terrorism against the Islamic Republic of Iran in which many Iranians, including its diplomats were victims of such acts according to existing hard evidences, some of which were presented to the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
As I explained in my letters dated 11 October 2011 (document A/66/513–S/2011/633) and 4 November 2011 (document A/66/546–S/2011/696), my Government categorically rejects the involvement of any of its officials or organs in the alleged plot against the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Washington as it has been claimed.
The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its full commitment to its obligations under the relevant international legal instruments, including the 1973 "Convention on the Prevention of Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents".
Member States should be cautious about the adverse consequences of such a move, which is in contradiction to the spirit and letter of the Charter of the United Nations and 1970 "Declaration on Principles of International Law Concerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations."
It would be appreciated if this letter could be circulated as a document of the General Assembly under the agenda item 83.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
Mohammad Khazaee
Ambassador
Permanent Representative
H.E. Mr. Nasser
President of the General Assembly,
United Nations, New York
cc: H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon
Secretary General
United Nations, New York